Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a category of treatment that works by helping the body's own immune system recognize and act against cancer cells, rather than directly killing cells with chemical drugs. In blood cancers, it includes approaches such as monoclonal antibodies and other immune-based agents chosen based on the specific disease.
Understanding Immunotherapy
Your immune system is designed to identify and clear abnormal cells, but cancer cells can sometimes evade this detection. Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system's ability to recognize cancer cells or by directly marking them for destruction. This is different from chemotherapy, which acts directly on cell division rather than working through the immune system.
In blood cancers, common immunotherapy approaches include monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-made proteins that attach to specific markers on cancer cells to flag them for destruction by the immune system, and other immune-modulating agents used depending on the specific diagnosis. These are selected based on the particular type of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma and its known characteristics.
Immunotherapy may be used alone, but it is often combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy as part of a broader treatment plan. The right approach depends on the specific blood cancer subtype, disease markers identified through testing, and prior treatment history, all of which your haematologist reviews before recommending a regimen.
What the treatment involves
Diagnostic and marker testing
Blood and bone marrow tests, along with specialized marker studies, confirm the diagnosis and identify specific characteristics of the cancer that determine whether immunotherapy is a suitable option.
Treatment planning
Based on the diagnosis and test results, a specific immunotherapy agent and schedule is selected, often used alongside chemotherapy or targeted therapy depending on the treatment protocol.
Pre-treatment assessment
Baseline blood counts, organ function and, where relevant, infection screening are completed before starting, since immunotherapy can affect immune function.
Administration
Immunotherapy is typically given as an intravenous infusion in an outpatient daycare setting, following a schedule that may span weeks to months depending on the specific agent and regimen.
Monitoring and supportive care
You are monitored for infusion-related reactions and other effects during and after each session, with supportive care available to manage any symptoms that arise.
Response assessment and follow-up
Periodic blood tests and imaging or bone marrow studies assess how the disease is responding, guiding whether treatment continues, changes or moves to a maintenance phase.
Who this treatment may be considered for
What to expect
Immunotherapy is commonly given in an outpatient daycare setting as an intravenous infusion, with session duration varying by the specific agent used.
Possible effects include infusion-related reactions such as fever or chills during administration, and a general risk of increased susceptibility to infection; the care team monitors for these during and after sessions.
Treatment schedules vary, from a few sessions to ongoing maintenance dosing over an extended period, depending on the specific blood cancer and agent.
Regular blood tests track how your immune system and blood counts are responding throughout the course of treatment.
Supportive care, including pre-medication to reduce infusion reactions, is typically built into the treatment plan.
Why choose AP Blood & Blood Cancer Centre
As a single-specialty hematology practice, AP Blood & Blood Cancer Centre integrates immunotherapy planning with the full picture of a patient's blood cancer diagnosis and treatment history, rather than treating it in isolation.
Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty brings DNB-level clinical haematology training and experience with immune-based and targeted treatment protocols for hematologic malignancies, applying management approaches aligned with recognized national and international guidelines and tailored to each patient's disease markers.
Common questions about Immunotherapy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MD, DNB (Clinical Haematology)
Last reviewed on 1 July 2026
Wondering if immunotherapy fits your treatment plan?
Consult a clinical haematologist to review your diagnosis and discuss whether immunotherapy is an appropriate option.